July 23, 2024 - SACRAMENTO – Legislation authored Assemblymember Dawn Addis was signed into law by California Governor Newsom last week. The two bills, AB 2173 and AB 2197, will tackle equity issues for students with disabilities and expand state coastal protection programs.

"I am thrilled that Governor Newsom has signed two of my bills," said Addis. "As a teacher and life-long coastal resident, fighting for equity for students with disabilities and protecting our coast have always been my priorities. Together, the Reducing Stigma in Education Act (AB 2173) and the Protect Our Coast and Oceans Act (AB 2197) will now help create a better California for all."

AB 2173 allows the term 'emotional disability' to replace 'emotional disturbance' for educational purposes. By making this change, individuals in public education will now be able to use a much more appropriate term, without worrying about potential legal repercussions from using language that does not conform to existing California code or regulations.

AB 2197 extends the operative date for the Protect Our Coast and Oceans voluntary tax contribution fund at the California Coastal Commission, which connects the public to California's coast and watersheds through experiential education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences.

Both bills will become law January 1, 2025.

Dawn Addis was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022 to represent the coastal 30th Assembly District, which includes San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.
Source: Assemblymember Dawn Addis